Beginner Ballroom Classes: Rhythm & Smooth

Join us Friday evenings for a fun and friendly introduction to ballroom dancing. Taught by Ivan Prymak & Daria Baranko, these walk-in classes welcome complete beginners while following the Bronze syllabus for American Smooth and American Rhythm. Drop in to learn your first steps, or keep coming to build a technical foundation for social dancing, performance, and competition.

Schedule

Fridays – Bronze Classes

• 6:30pm – American Rhythm
• 7:30pm – American Smooth

Class Description

Learn the foundational technique behind two families of ballroom dance. American Rhythm covers Rumba, Swing and Mambo. American Smooth covers Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango. Each month pairs one Rhythm dance with one Smooth dance, starting from the basics and working through its Bronze syllabus figures, along with its characteristic timing and the mechanics that give it its feel, from the Cuban motion of Rumba to the rise and fall of Waltz.

Take one class or stay for both back to back.

No partner or experience needed.

Join at any time. Recommended to start at the beginning of the month for full progression.

Pricing

• $30 drop-in
• $25/class with 5-Class DanzPass ($125)

Members get 20% off

Monthly Rotation

• American Rhythm • Fridays at 6:30pm

  • Nov: Rumba
  • Dec: Swing
  • Jan: Mambo

  American Smooth • Fridays at 7:30pm

  • Nov: Waltz
  • Dec: Foxtrot
  • Jan: Tango

Dance Styles: American Rhythm

Rumba

Rumba is the slowest and most romantic of the Latin dances, danced to a steady 4/4 beat. Because the tempo is gentle, it’s where you learn Cuban motion, the hip action that powers every Latin dance.

Swing

East Coast Swing is upbeat and playful, danced to swing and rock and roll music. It trades Cuban motion for a bouncy triple step and rock step, teaching you rhythm, energy, and a light, responsive connection with your partner.

Mambo

Mambo is fast and energetic, a close cousin of salsa with Cuban roots. It brings back the hip action from Rumba at a quicker tempo, with a distinctive timing that breaks on the second beat.

Dance Styles: American Smooth

Waltz

The Waltz is elegant and graceful, danced in a slow 3/4 time counted 1-2-3. Its signature rise and fall gives the dance a floating quality, and the gentle tempo lets you learn frame and balance without rushing.

Foxtrot

The Foxtrot is smooth and continuous, danced to big band and Sinatra-era classics. Built on a slow-quick-quick rhythm, it teaches you to travel across the floor with flow and control.

Tango (American)

Tango is sharp and dramatic, with staccato movement that stops and holds rather than flowing. With no rise and fall, it’s the contrast to Waltz and Foxtrot, and feeling that difference teaches you what each dance really is.

What Is American Smooth and American Rhythm?

American style ballroom is made up of two families of partner dance. Smooth dances travel around the floor in long, flowing lines, while Rhythm dances stay in one area and are danced to Latin and swing music. Learning both gives you frame, footwork, Cuban motion, timing, and lead and follow, the foundation for all of ballroom.

What to Wear

Comfortable clothes you can move in and smooth-soled shoes. Dance shoes are great, but leather-soled street shoes work too. Avoid sneakers with grippy soles, which make turning difficult.